Yupiaq Essay

1149 Words5 Pages
In the book called A Yupiaq Worldview, the author Angayuqaq Oscar Kawagley’s goal is to make a case study by examining the Eskimo community to identify why the Western and Yupiaq worldview affect the lives and choices of the people in their community. The book is located in Alaska since the study is focused on Yupiaq people that can only be found in Alaskan communities. Yupiaq are among the Alaskan people that up to now still exists. Just like other indigenous people in Alaska, Yupiaq have traditionally tried to live in harmony with world around them which is very different compared to western societies. In fact they are also considered as the ‘Original Ecologists’ (Fienup-Riordan P.9). The three main points that are put forward In the book are first, to analyze available informations on the lifeways, worldview, and ways of knowing of the Yupiaq people as they evolve over time. Second is the practice of science and technology and how it does or does not come into play in the context of education and schooling. Lastly, some implications of the study for the application of science and technology and the practice of schooling in a Yupiaq setting are outlined.( Kawagley, P.5 ) It is indeed a fact that many of Yupiaq people especially the elders are sad about the emergence of modern technology in their communities and it is not very surprising due to the fact that they believe that things from the western world can destroy not only their land but also their culture. Their life has always been about observing and they become better in better because of experience as a participant in their nature. In fact they have have always been a participant observer (Kawagley P.17) Modern technologies have helped the western world in many different ways. Some of the things such as microwave ovens,refrigerators etc. are indeed helping the Yupiaq to make their lives easier
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